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Next steps in describing aging and disease in longitudinal studies
J L Fozard1, E J Metter, L J Brant
1Longitudinal Studies Branch, Gerontology Research Center, NIA, Baltimore.
Journal of Gerontology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Future aging research must integrate disease and aging processes. Longitudinal studies, like the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, are crucial for understanding these complex interactions and their impact on health over time.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Longitudinal studies are vital for aging research.
- Traditional aging studies often exclude disease, limiting understanding.
- The interplay between aging and disease is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of longitudinal studies in aging research.
- To emphasize the need to study the interplay between aging and disease.
- To discuss factors influencing aging and disease processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research, primarily from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.
- Analysis of age-specific changes in physiological functioning.
- Examination of cohort and secular changes.
Main Results:
- Aging is a complex process influenced by multiple factors.
- Risk factor significance changes across the adult lifespan.
- Morbidity increases with age, particularly in long-lived populations.
Conclusions:
- Future aging research must better capture the interplay between disease and aging.
- Longitudinal studies provide essential data for understanding aging and disease.
- Cohort and secular changes significantly impact aging and disease trajectories.